Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire Is The Birth Place Of William Shakespeare
December 13th, 2009 by Frederick HoymerStratford - upon-Avon in the district of Stratford-on-Avon lies on the banks of the River Avon in the south-central section of England. This town is most famous for being the place where William Shakespeare was born. A little fusion confusion stems from the name of the town. It is often confused with the name of the district which is differentiated by the word of on rather than the word upon. The basic difference is that the home sits upon the banks of the River Avon, while the district which has a larger area is along the sides of the river. While locals refer to the town has simply Stratford this can be further confused with a town near London of the same name.
The fact that William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon creates a huge attraction and consequently massive tourism industry. As a result of this attraction the town witnesses the visit of 3 million tourists a year. Besides tourism the city's economy is also based on manufacturing, including boatbuilding. The Internet and computers has also had a major influence on the economy.
Stratford. 's heritage developed around the fact that it is a market town and has been since medieval times. In fact the name comes from the Words Street and Ford, which means a Roman road which bordered the River Avon at the location of the town. Besides being a market town it obviously owes a large portion of its fame to William Shakespeare. The theater has played a major role in the history of Stratford for centuries.
A gentleman by the name of David Garrick built the first theater in the town in 1769. This was a simple wooden structure and was a temporary theater that Garrick had erected to display theatrical productions. Garrick had a major effect on the theater and was an actor, playwright, manager and producer. Perhaps his most memorable accomplishment was his role of Richard III in William Shakespeare's play. Derek also had a major effect on the country and when he died his service was conducted at Westminster's Abbey and his burial was in poet's corner.
The simple wooden structure built by Garrett stood in close proximity to where the Royal Shakespeare Theatre now sits. The nucleus of the tourist industry is obviously Shakespearean theater. Many theaters have been dedicated to Shakespeare. The first one to be dedicated to his memory here was done so on the 300th anniversary of his birthday in'64. This was also a simple wooden structure. The first permanent theater to be built in town that was dedicated to his memory was done so in'79. When this theater opened its doors it was greeted with huge success.
While this theater burnt down in'26 it was later replaced in'32. The Swan Theater was later created in the'80s of the remains of the shell of the original Memorial Theater. This theater is today one of the finest acting spaces in all of the United Kingdom. The theater still has a major role in tourism today and in fact was refurbished in 2006. The theater is just one of many attractions within the city that brings in millions of tourists every year.
Shakespeare's life is remembered everywhere in the city with indications that he lived there. There are five homes that are connected to the life of Shakespeare and can be witnessed by tourists today. The most popular of which is probably the famous Anne Hathaway cottage. Hall's Croft and the Nash house are two other reminders of his life in the city as well. The holy Trinity Church serves as a reminder also. It was here, that William Shakespeare was baptized and buried. The Stratford butterfly Farm is perhaps the most popular non-Shakespearean tourist attraction in the city.
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